Querying and Shaping Data in Power BI Using M
Raw data rarely arrives in the perfect format for analysis, and Power BI’s M language is your secret weapon for transforming messy datasets into pristine, analysis-ready tables. Eugene Meidinger’s expert-led course cuts through M’s complexity to show you exactly how to query, clean, and reshape data like a seasoned analyst.
AIU.ac Verdict: Brilliant for analysts who’ve hit Power Query’s GUI limitations and need programmatic control over data transformations. The only drawback is that M syntax can feel daunting initially, but Meidinger’s teaching style makes it surprisingly approachable.
What This Course Covers
You’ll master M’s fundamental syntax and data types before diving into advanced querying techniques for multiple data sources. The course covers list and record manipulation, custom functions, and error handling—essential skills when dealing with real-world data inconsistencies.
Practical modules focus on complex data shaping scenarios: merging tables with custom logic, creating dynamic date tables, and building reusable transformation patterns. You’ll also learn performance optimisation techniques and debugging strategies that separate amateur Power BI users from true data transformation experts.
Who Is This Course For?
Ideal for:
- Business Analysts: Already comfortable with Power BI basics but frustrated by Power Query’s GUI limitations when handling complex data transformations
- Data Analysts: Working with messy, multi-source datasets who need programmatic control over data cleaning and shaping processes
- Power BI Developers: Building enterprise solutions requiring custom functions, advanced merging logic, and optimised data transformation workflows
May not suit:
- Complete Power BI Beginners: Should master Power Query’s visual interface first before tackling M language programming concepts
- Advanced DAX Specialists: If you’re purely focused on calculations and measures rather than data transformation and preparation
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Querying and Shaping Data in Power BI Using M take?
The course runs for 2 hours and 36 minutes, designed to be completed over 2-3 focused sessions with hands-on practice between modules.
Do I need programming experience for M language?
No programming background required, but you should be comfortable with Power BI basics and Power Query’s visual interface before diving into M code.
What’s the difference between M and DAX in Power BI?
M handles data transformation and shaping during import, whilst DAX creates calculations and measures after data is loaded—this course focuses entirely on M.
Can I apply M language skills outside Power BI?
M is specific to Microsoft’s Power Query engine, but the data transformation concepts transfer well to other ETL tools and programming languages like Python or R.
Course by Eugene Meidinger on Pluralsight. Duration: 2h 36m. Last verified by AIU.ac: March 2026.
